Jay Monahan and Greg Norman along with PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan summoned by US Senate to testify for SHOCKING merger
The top officials involved in the merger are asked to appear before the US Congress next month. The PIF are yet to make a statement regarding this matter.
Follow Us
Greg Norman (L), Jay Monahan (C) and Yasir Al-Rumayyan (R) [Pic Credit: Golf Digest/CNN/Arab News]
On Wednesday, the top officials involved with the PGA Tour and LIV Golf were asked to testify about the merger. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, LIV CEO Greg Norman, and Yasir Al-Rumayyan have now been directed to appear before the US Senate. The trio has been informed to testify about this shock merger between the tours on July 11th.
Senator Richard Blumenthal and Senator Ron Johnson announced this decision. In a letter issued to Monahan, the senators informed that the subcommittee would like to examine this merger deal. The PGA Tour in their response said they are “looking forward” to appearing before the Congress. The tour however did not mention whether Monahan will be present at the meet.
“Fans, the players, and concerned citizens have many questions about the planned agreement between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf,” Sen. Johnson said. He added that he is looking forward to this and learning about this deal from the top officials involved. However, Greg Norman was reportedly excluded from the original meeting of the merger.
The PGA Tour commissioner is currently on leave for medical reasons. Monahan who is likely to lead the new entity, has been criticized for his actions by the fans, his fellow peers, and colleagues for this deal. Norman and Yasir-Al Rumayyan have been given a deadline of June 26 to respond to this development.
Related: 8x Major Champion Tom Watson BLASTS Jay Monahan in open letter following PGA-LIV merger
Is the shock merger between PGA Tour and LIV Golf in jeopardy?
After its formation in 2021, the LIV Golf was constantly belittled and labeled as “sports washing.” The league, funded by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) is headed by Yasir-Al Rumayyan. He has been the center of attention of the media for his relationship with the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Bin Salman.
The past history between the Middle East country and the US could spoil the future merger. The 9/11 tragedy and the country’s human right activity record has stirred up further drama. Officials from the Senate are reported to want some assurance regarding the involvement of Saudi money. Whether Rumayyan will agree to testify is also something to look out for.
In the past, Saudi officials have successfully avoided appearing for public hearings by sovereign immunity. This could once again be used regarding Rumayyan’s involvement. The PIF has so far not made any comments in connection to this development. How will golf look in the upcoming months and year is something that is on the minds of everyone who loves this sport.
In case you missed it:
Did Wyndham Clark cheat in 2023 US Open?
Stay Updated!
/techfirstnow/media/agency_attachments/kATjCXskQdJKkXN0OuqW.png)